When you’re starting to build an app for your startup, one common question is: what kind of database should we use?
My answer would be surprisingly simple:
👉 Just go with a database you’re most comfortable with.
Whether it's SQL or NoSQL, your productivity matters the most in the early stages.
That said, SQL databases often have a slight edge:
- ✅ More mature
- ✅ Better for data analysis
- ✅ Higher fidelity
- ✅ Easier to use for many developers
- ✅ Still cost-effective
NoSQL can shine in cost-sensitive, unstructured scenarios — but unless you have a strong reason, SQL is a great starting point.
Start simple. You can always optimize later.
This meets the system design evaluation metrics that I've mentioned in my previous blog.
Happy Building!.
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